The city of Natchez is set to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual MLK Day Parade, scheduled for 3 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025. Participants will line up starting at 2 p.m. on Broadway Street on the Bluff. This year’s parade theme, “Natchez All In,” celebrates unity and the enduring fight for justice.
A highlight of the event will be the recognition of civil rights activists from the 1960s, particularly those who endured the infamous “Parchman Ordeal.” Parade Chairperson Jacqueline Marsaw, in a recent Facebook post, expressed her pride in honoring these activists, whom she referred to as “Parchman Living Legends.”
On October 2 and 3, 1965, these brave individuals defied a court order banning public marches by demonstrating in Natchez. Their actions led to their arrests, and when local jails reached capacity, 150 protesters were transferred to the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman. There, they faced harsh treatment, cementing their legacy in the struggle for civil rights.
Honoring Civil Rights Heroes
The parade will pay tribute to several historic figures, including:
- Medgar Evers: NAACP’s first field secretary in Mississippi, assassinated in 1963 for his civil rights work.
- Wharlest Jackson Sr.: A Natchez civil rights leader whose life was tragically cut short in a 1967 bombing by the Ku Klux Klan.
- Ida B. Wells-Barnett: Renowned journalist and anti-lynching advocate who fought tirelessly for racial equality and women’s rights.
- Ser Seshsh Ab Heter-C. M. Boxley: Former civil rights worker and founder of Friends of the Forks of the Roads Society.
- Nick Bezzel: Founder of the Elmer Geronimo Pratt Pistol & Rifle Gun Club.
Grand Marshals and Parade Details
The grand marshals for the event include:
- Derrick Johnson, National President and CEO of the NAACP.
- Billie Joe Frazier, Natchez Alderman, Ward 2.
- Ricky Gray, Adams County Supervisor, District 4.
The parade will follow a route beginning at North Broadway and Franklin Streets, traveling along Franklin to Dr. M.L. King Street, turning left, and concluding on Minor Street. Afterward, trophies for the best float will be awarded at Dr. M.L. King and High Streets.
Community Participation and Entry Fees
The event welcomes a variety of participants, including bands, dance groups, horse riders, motorcycle clubs, and community organizations. Entry fees are as follows:
- $50 donation for any number of vehicles.
- $50 for floats and two vehicles.
- $10 per car.
A Celebration of Legacy
Sponsored by the Natchez Branch of the NAACP, the parade aims to bring the community together in remembrance and celebration of those who have fought for equality and justice. With powerful tributes, vibrant floats, and community spirit, the 2025 MLK Day Parade promises to be an inspiring event for all who attend.